SHORT TERM DISABILITY FACTS



CITY OF MILPITAS

SHORT TERM DISABILITY FACT SHEET

WHAT IS SHORT TERM DISABILITY?

Short-term disability (STD) is a partial wage-replacement plan to compensate employees who are off of work for non-industrial illnesses and injuries on a temporary basis. STD is replaced by Long-term disability (LTD) after 60 days. LTD must be applied for while on STD. If the LTD request is not approved, then STD will continue up to one year (52 weeks).

HOW IS STD RUN?

The City funds its own disability compensation plan for non-industrial illnesses and injuries; we do not participate in the California State Disability Insurance (SDI) plan. The City’s plan is based on the State plan and employees are compensated according to the State payment plan.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR STD?

Regular employees who have completed probation and who are not covered by another City disability program are eligible for STD. (Exceptions: IAFF members are not eligible; MPOA members are covered by their own plan.) If you have not yet completed your probationary period and previously worked for a private employer, you may be eligible for the State Disability Insurance program. For information, please contact the California State Employment Development Department.

Employees are eligible for STD after the have used any accrued leave banks.

You are not eligible for STD payments if:

- The injury/illness occurred during the course of other employment (Workers’ Compensation)

- You are in legal custody as a result of a conviction or confined by court order

- Your employment with the City is terminated

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT PERIOD?

The benefit period begins 7 calendar days following the disability or on the date of hospitalization, whichever comes first. The maximum benefit period is 52 weeks.

HOW DOES AN EMPLOYEE APPLY FOR STD?

To apply, submit: (1) a letter requesting time off and STD compensation; and (2) a doctor’s verification of disability that includes the date disability began and the anticipated date expected to return to work. Letters and the doctor’s verification should be submitted to Human Resources. It is important that this information is given to Human Resources as soon as possible to ensure timely payment of benefits.

Should you remain ill or injured beyond the original expected return date, you will need to submit an updated doctor’s certification with the new expected return date before any further payments will be made.

At the City’s discretion and expense, you may be required to submit to an examination and receive proof of disability from a provider chosen by the City.

HOW ARE MY BENEFITS CALCULATED?

Your benefit is calculated based on your current earnings. The earnings are averaged to determine quarterly wages. The quarterly wages are used to determine the weekly benefit rate from the State Disability Insurance (SDI) Weekly Benefit Amount Chart.

WHEN WILL STD PAYMENTS BE MADE?

Once your documentation has been received and the waiting period (if applicable) has been fulfilled, payments will be made following the standard payroll schedule. STD payments will not be made if the employee is on city paid leave.

ARE MY DISABILITY PAYMENTS TAXABLE?

Yes, they are taxed as regular income.

WHAT IS AN EMPLOYEE’S STATUS WHILE ON STD?

An employee receiving STD compensation is on Leave Without Pay. The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) will run concurrent with STD, if eligible.

CAN I RECEIVE STD BENEFITS FOR PREGNANCY?

Yes. The usual disability period for a NORMAL pregnancy is up to four weeks before the expected due date and up to six weeks after a vaginal delivery or up to 8 weeks for a Cesarean Section. However, your doctor may certify to a longer period of disability if there are medical complications, or if you aren’t able to perform your regular or customary job duties.

WILL MY STD BENEFITS INCREASE OR DECREASE?

No, once your claim is established, your weekly benefit amount remains the same for the duration of that disability claim.

WHAT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Please contact the Human Resources Department.

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